At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' mental health and wellbeing through dynamic assessments and tailored recommendations.
- Company: King's College London, a civic university dedicated to serving society.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, and access to supervision from qualified mental health professionals.
- Other info: Part-time role with a fixed-term contract until July 2027.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37694 £ per year.
The King’s community is dedicated to the service of society. King’s Strategic Vision 2029 sets out our vision for the future, shaped around five priority areas: educate to inspire and improve; research to inform and innovate; serve to shape and transform; a civic university at the heart of London; and an international community that services the world. Our ambitious Education Strategy sets out the actions that we must take to transform how we teach, how and where our students learn and how we support them during their time with us.
The Support for Study (SfS) Team at King’s leads on the University’s process where there are concerns for students’ health and wellbeing which are impacting on their ability to engage with their studies. SfS is part of the Student Conduct and Appeals, which sits within Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS). SSWS are part of the Students & Education Directorate, a collection of wide-ranging professional services in place to support King’s students and their education.
About the role: The Support for Study pathway incorporates Stages 1, 2, and 3. The first two of these stages are for early or emerging concerns about a student’s engagement or progress, which may be connected to mental health, welfare or wellbeing issues; these meetings are student-directed and Faculty-based. The third stage is led by the specialist SfS team within SSWS and supported by other SSWS services, such as colleagues from Welfare and Disability Support & Inclusion, alongside Faculty colleagues. Almost all students who are seen at Stage 3 SfS, and a significant number at Stage 2, are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing.
The role is for a mental health advisor to assist SfS Panel colleagues in understanding the support needs of students who are referred for meetings at Stage 3, but also to help Faculty colleagues, including the Designated Safeguarding Officers, in supporting students at some Stage 2 meetings. The primary purpose of the role is to attend these meetings, speak with students about any current mental health issues, relevant history and their current or planned support, and make recommendations to the Panel, or to the student and colleagues, as to potential avenues for additional support (both internally and externally), and any concerns around risks to the safety of a student, or others, as a result of current unwellness.
The role will involve carrying out dynamic mental health risk assessments and supporting colleagues and students to understand the implications of any mental health issues on their current plans for their studies and accommodation, as well as considering what support would be needed in order to give them the greatest chance of continuing safely and successfully.
As well as support from your immediate colleagues and line manager, King’s will ensure you have access to regular supervision with an appropriately qualified internal supervisor from the Counselling & Mental Health Support team. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates looking to work in a dynamic environment where we embrace new initiatives and ways to improve the provision of mental health support for our students. This is an opportunity to grow your skills in working with a diverse client population within a valued service.
We encourage applications from candidates who have experience from both within and outside of the Higher Education sector where they can demonstrate the skills needed to succeed in this role. This is a part time post (50% FTE) and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30th July 2027. Please note the salary displayed in the advert will be pro rated accordingly.
Support for Study Mental Health Advisor – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS employer: Recruit4Mum
At King’s, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of our staff and students alike. As a part of the vibrant London community, you will have access to professional development opportunities, regular supervision, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on students' mental health and academic success. Join us in our mission to inspire and transform lives through education and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support for Study Mental Health Advisor – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Recruit4Mum who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Recruit4Mum can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Support for Study Mental Health Advisor – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Recruit4Mum and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Recruit4Mum see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Recruit4Mum.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Recruit4Mum about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Recruit4Mum supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
